When you arrive at Airbnb, do these 6 things to stay safe

With the rise of platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, short-term rentals are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to hotels. And in the Covid-19 era, many travelers preferred the option of avoiding personal contact with people in a crowded hotel, booking separate accommodation for their family instead.

But there are certain security concerns that come with renting a home for the duration of a vacation. Over the years, companies such as Airbnb and Vrbo have taken steps to improve safety, from banning parties to providing safety checklists and creating a trust and safety coalition. This was reported by huffingtonpost.co.

Rarely or not, dangerous events can happen while traveling, particularly during a vacation rental. However, there are ways to reduce the risks. Below, experts talk about the safety measures that travelers should take. They also gave some safety tips for booking accommodation.

Check for cameras

"Ask the host if there are any security cameras. Hidden cameras are prohibited, but for your own privacy, you can do a scan inside the house to make sure you're not unwittingly caught on camera," Cheryl Nelson, travel expert and founder of Prepare with Cher, tells HuffPost.

Airbnb specifically prohibits hidden cameras or other recording devices and requires hosts to report the presence of any such devices.

Vrbo does not allow the installation of any surveillance devices inside its properties, although hosts can place cameras outside the home, provided that their location is communicated to guests.

Keep an eye out for objects that seem altered or out of place, and if you have any suspicions, put on your clothes.

Keep your valuables safe

For the safety of your belongings, ask if the hotel has a safe. Things like your passport, electronics, jewelry, and other valuable items should be kept in the safest place possible, and many rental locations provide secure storage. Sometimes you may need to bring your own lock, which provides extra protection since only you know the code.

If you have a car parked on the street, make sure to put your belongings away to avoid car break-ins.

Check for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Fire safety is always a concern. Rental booking platforms like Airbnb allow hosts to note if they have smoke or CO2 detectors in the property, but it's worth checking to see if they're turned on when you arrive.

Make a plan

During your inspection, mentally create an escape plan in case of an emergency. Locate a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. Also, familiarize yourself with the general area where you are staying by walking around and checking the map on your phone.

Set up your own alarms

Ask your host or check for alarms and external sensors yourself. Even if they are present, you may still want additional protection.

Turn on surveillance

When traveling, it's always a good idea to let your loved ones know where you will be. You can send them a text message with the address of your accommodation when you check in and forward the booking confirmation. Coffey suggests going even further.

Keep vacation safety in mind even before you leave

"I've never felt unsafe staying at an Airbnb, but I've always done my research before booking. Familiarize yourself with the area and always read Airbnb guest reviews to avoid surprises," Cheryl Nelson, travel expert and founder of Prepare with Cher, tells HuffPost.